Making homemade bread from scratch is a rewarding and satisfying experience, and it’s surprisingly simple! Here’s a classic and traditional recipe for homemade bread that’s soft, delicious, and perfect for everyday use:
Traditional Homemade Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or about 2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tbsp sugar (to help activate the yeast)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C, warm to the touch but not hot)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.
- Mix the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Once the yeast mixture is foamy, pour it into the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by folding it over onto itself and pushing it down with the heel of your hands. Rotate and repeat for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
- Let the dough rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. You can also place the bowl in an oven with the light on to create a warm environment for rising.
- Shape the dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface again, and gently shape it into a loaf. You can either form a round or oval shape, or place it into a greased loaf pan for a classic rectangular shape.
- Second rise:
- Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet or into the loaf pan. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has puffed up.
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread:
- Bake the bread for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when you tap the bottom of the loaf. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer—it should be around 190°F (88°C).
- Cool the bread:
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve:
- Enjoy your homemade bread warm with butter, jam, or use it for sandwiches!
Tips:
- Flavor variations: You can add herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the dough for extra flavor. Or try adding a handful of seeds, such as sunflower or sesame seeds, for a nice texture.
- Storage: Store the bread in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
- Crispy crust: For a crispier crust, place a small pan of water in the oven while the bread bakes to create steam.
Making homemade bread is a simple process, but the results are always amazing! This classic recipe gives you a soft, fluffy loaf that will fill your home with the irresistible smell of freshly baked bread. Enjoy!